US20090314485A1 - Safety device for an oil well and associated safety installation - Google Patents
Safety device for an oil well and associated safety installation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090314485A1 US20090314485A1 US11/991,005 US99100506A US2009314485A1 US 20090314485 A1 US20090314485 A1 US 20090314485A1 US 99100506 A US99100506 A US 99100506A US 2009314485 A1 US2009314485 A1 US 2009314485A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- conduit
- housing
- pressurising
- passage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 14
- 239000003129 oil well Substances 0.000 title abstract description 5
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 27
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000004873 anchoring Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000282472 Canis lupus familiaris Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000002950 deficient Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010292 electrical insulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000002445 nipple Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 238000011017 operating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037452 priming Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000013519 translation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/16—Control means therefor being outside the borehole
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B23/00—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells
- E21B23/02—Apparatus for displacing, setting, locking, releasing, or removing tools, packers or the like in the boreholes or wells for locking the tools or the like in landing nipples or in recesses between adjacent sections of tubing
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B2200/00—Special features related to earth drilling for obtaining oil, gas or water
- E21B2200/05—Flapper valves
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a safety device for a fluid production well, of the type comprising:
- Such a device is used to secure a well for the production of oil or another fluid (notably gas, vapour or water), in particular when said well is eruptive and can be sealed rapidly in case of failure of the surface installation, said failure producing the disconnection of the open control signal.
- oil or another fluid notably gas, vapour or water
- a device of the above-mentioned type is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,202, said device being lowered in a production casing of an oil well by means of a working wire line.
- Said device comprises a valve housing, a rod for holding the valve in the open position and electromagnetic coils for actuating the support rod.
- the coils are fixed to the outside of the casing at a determined point thereon on, and are connected electrically to the surface by electric cables.
- the valve When an electric control signal is received by the electromagnetic coils, the valve is held in the open position by the support rod, against a return spring.
- a safety device of the same type is also known, driven by a hydraulic control line extending outside the casing from the surface.
- the safety device must be positioned at a determined point of the well, opposite the actuating coils, and the coils must be connected to the surface by electric power supply lines, or must be positioned opposite the inlet of the hydraulic conduit.
- An object of the invention is therefore to provide an autonomous safety device, comprising a safety valve that can be installed and anchored at any point of the well whatever the finished architecture thereof, and that can be controlled from the surface.
- the invention relates to a device of the above-mentioned type, characterised in that the holding means and actuating means are connected to the housing in such a way that they can be moved simultaneously under the control of the working wire line.
- the device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in a technically feasible combination:
- the invention also relates to a safety installation for a fluid production well comprising a fluid flow conduit, said installation comprising:
- FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view along a vertical mid-plane of an oil well equipped with a safety device according to the invention, during operation of the well;
- FIG. 1B is a similar view to FIG. 1A , when the device is installed in the well;
- FIG. 2 is a side view of the safety device illustrated in FIG. 1A and in FIG. 1B ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along a vertical mid-plane of a detail of the device in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 3A is a view of a detail marked IIIA in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view along the plane IV-IV of FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic actuating means of the device in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 6 is a similar view to FIG. 3 in which the valve of the safety device is sealed.
- proximal means relatively closer to the ground surface
- distal means relatively closer to the bottom of a well made in the ground
- the autonomous safety device 10 is intended to be lowered into an oil well 12 using wire deployment means 14 .
- the device 10 is placed at a chosen point in the well 12 , for example situated at a depth of between 10 m and 1000 m, to replace a faulty safety valve, or to add an intermediate safety valve.
- the well 12 comprises a first conduit 16 known as the “casing” made in the sub-soil 18 and a second conduit or pipe 20 known as the “production casing” secured substantially in the centre of the first conduit 16 .
- the well 12 further comprises a wellhead 22 at the surface to seal selectively the first conduit 16 and the second conduit 20 .
- the second conduit 20 is not as long as the first conduit 16 . It opens at a point 23 into the first conduit 16 situated in a distal portion of the well 12 . Annular packing elements 24 are arranged between the first conduit 16 and the second conduit 20 in the vicinity of the point 23 .
- the second conduit 20 defines internally a plurality of circular engagement grooves or annular engagement recesses 26 A, 26 B, designated by the term “landing nipple”. Said recesses 26 A, 26 B are situated at points spaced longitudinally along the conduit 20 .
- the second conduit 20 is not provided with recesses 26 A, 26 B, and the device 10 is anchored directly against a smooth wall of the conduit 20 .
- the deployment means 14 of the device 10 comprise a working wire line 30 , a surface hoist 32 enabling the line 30 to be deployed or retracted in the well 12 , and pulleys 34 for orienting the line 30 mounted on the wellhead 22 .
- the line 30 is formed for example by a smooth single strand wire of the “piano wire” type, commonly referred to by the term “slickline”, with or without electrical insulation on its outer surface.
- the line 30 comprises, at its distal end, an installation gear 31 for the device 10 .
- the line 30 is a mechanically reinforced electric cable, commonly referred to by the term “electric line”, or a hollow spiral cable, commonly referred to by the term “coiled tubing”.
- the hoist 32 and the pulleys 34 allow the working line 30 to be deployed successively in the second conduit 20 , then in the first conduit 16 via the wellhead 22 .
- the deployment means 14 when operating the well 12 , the deployment means 14 have been withdrawn and the well 12 comprises means 35 for emitting a signal for controlling the safety device 10 .
- the control signal is an electromagnetic signal and the means 35 are arranged at the surface.
- said signal is an acoustic signal.
- the safety device 10 comprises a safety valve housing 40 , means 42 for holding the safety valve in an open position, and a hydraulic cylinder 44 for actuating the holding means 42 .
- the device 10 also comprises a hydraulic unit 46 fixed removably at a distal end of the housing 40 , the unit 46 comprising means 48 for controlling the cylinder 44 , and batteries 49 for supplying electrical power to the unit 46 .
- the valve housing 40 comprises a tubular body 50 with a longitudinal axis X-X′ delimiting internally a longitudinal through-flow passage 52 for circulating an oil fluid, means 54 for connecting to the installation gear 31 , mounted at a proximal end of the body 50 , and means 56 for anchoring the device 10 in the second conduit 20 .
- the housing 40 further comprises, in the vicinity of its distal end, a valve 58 for sealing the passage 52 .
- the body 50 When moving from a proximal end, to the right in FIG. 3 , to a distal end, to the left in FIG. 3 , the body 50 comprises a proximal tubular portion 60 , a portion 62 for guiding and holding the valve, and a distal portion 64 for connecting to the hydraulic unit 46 .
- the mid-portion 62 defines a proximal sheath 66 mounted in the tubular portion 60 and delimiting an annular transverse surface 68 directed towards the body 60 .
- the mid-portion 62 also delimits a distal annular shoulder 70 directed towards the distal portion 64 and a cylindrical guide surface 72 extending between the proximal surface 68 and the distal shoulder 70 .
- the cylindrical surface 72 delimits, between the distal shoulder 70 and the proximal surface 68 , an annular recess which receives a proximal sealing gasket 73 .
- the distal tubular portion 64 delimits a lateral valve retraction opening 74 , which opens into the passage 52 , an annular shoulder 76 oriented towards the distal end of the body 40 , and a lateral passage 78 for assembling the hydraulic unit opening into the flow passage 52 .
- the portion 64 has at its distal end a distal opening which opens into the flow passage 52 .
- connection means 54 comprise a head 80 for receiving the installation gear 31 delimiting an internal recess 82 .
- the head 80 is screwed to the proximal end of the tubular portion 60 .
- the recess 82 opens distally into the passage 52 and proximally through a proximal opening 84 .
- a fluid may thus penetrate into the passage 52 of the housing 40 when the installation gear 31 is arranged at a distance from the housing 82 .
- the anchoring means 56 comprise lateral locking mandrels or “dogs” referred to by the term “lock mandrel”.
- the dogs 86 project radially outside of the head 80 and have a form complementary to that of the engagement recesses 26 A, 26 B arranged in the second conduit 20 .
- the anchoring means 56 also comprise compressible annular packing (not illustrated) intended to form a seal between the wall of the conduit 20 and the head 80 .
- the sealing valve 58 comprises an annular seat 88 mounted integrally with the body 50 in the passage 52 , and a shutter 90 that can move between an open position of the passage 52 and a sealed position of the passage 52 .
- the valve 58 also comprises a spring 92 for returning the shutter 90 to its sealed position.
- the valve seat 88 is fixed in the passage 52 and forms a mechanical connection between the mid-portion 62 and the distal tubular portion 64 . As illustrated in FIG. 3A , a proximal annular surface 93 of the seat extends opposite the distal surface 70 of the mid-portion 62 . A distal conical annular surface 94 of the seat 88 is flush with the wall of the distal portion 64 in the region of the lateral reception opening 74 .
- the shutter 90 can rotate about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis X-X′ situated in the vicinity of the distal surface 94 of the seat 88 .
- said shutter 90 In the open position of the shutter 90 , said shutter 90 extends substantially in the extension of the tubular portion 64 to seal the lateral opening 74 and free the passage 52 .
- the shutter 90 In the sealed position, illustrated in FIG. 6 , the shutter 90 extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X′ of the valve housing 40 . It rests on the distal conical annular surface 94 to seal the passage 52 .
- the spring 92 permanently biases the shutter 90 towards its sealed position.
- the means 42 for holding the valve in its open position comprise a cylindrical sleeve 98 mounted movably in translation along the axis X-X′ in the passage 52 , between a proximal rest position and a distal open position of the valve 58 .
- the means 42 further comprise, mounted on the sleeve 98 , a distal pressurisation piston 100 , a proximal end stop 102 for guiding the sleeve, and a spiral spring 104 for returning the sleeve to its proximal position.
- the sleeve 98 extends longitudinally in the body 40 opposite the proximal tubular portion 60 , the mid-portion 62 and, in its proximal position, the distal portion 64 . As illustrated in FIG. 4 , it comprises an outer surface 106 of transverse cross-section substantially complementary to the guide surface 72 of the mid-portion 62 in such a way that the mid-portion 62 guides the sleeve 98 when it moves between its proximal position and its distal position.
- the surface 106 delimits with the seat 88 , an annular space 107 . It comprises an annular rib 107 B which delimits a distal recess oriented towards the seat 88 .
- the recess receives a sealing gasket 108 which distally seals the annular space 107 .
- the space 107 is sealed proximally by the proximal gasket 73 .
- the distal annular piston 100 is mounted slidingly on the sleeve 98 between the outer surface 106 and the proximal tubular portion 60 . It delimits a distal annular surface 110 which extends opposite the proximal surface 68 . It further delimits a proximal annular surface 112 on which a distal end of the spring 104 rests.
- the proximal annular end stop 102 is mounted integrally with the proximal end of the sleeve 98 . It extends between the sleeve 98 and the tubular portion 60 .
- the end stop 102 slides in the tubular portion 60 and delimits a distal annular surface 114 on which the proximal end of the spring 104 rests.
- the end stop 102 comprises a wiper gasket 115 arranged resting on the tubular portion 60 .
- the gasket 108 extends in the vicinity of the proximal surface 93 of the seat 88 .
- the end stop 102 is situated in the vicinity of the receiving head 80 . The distance separating the piston 100 and the end stop 102 is then at the maximum.
- the spring 104 is pre-stressed in such a way that it exerts a minimal return force on the piston 100 and on the end stop 102 . In this position, the annular rib 107 B of the sleeve 98 rests against the shoulder 70 .
- the distal edge of the sleeve 98 is arranged opposite the seat 88 , proximally in relation to the shutter 90 .
- the distance between the piston 100 and the end stop 102 is minimal and the compression of the spring 104 is at the maximum in such a way that it exerts maximum return force on the piston 100 and on the end stop 102 .
- a distal portion of the sleeve 98 extends opposite the lateral opening 74 .
- the distal edge of the sleeve 98 rests on the end stop shoulder 76 of the distal portion 64 .
- the sleeve 98 covers the shutter 90 .
- the gasket 108 is at a distance distally from the proximal surface 93 of the valve seat 88 .
- the hydraulic cylinder 44 comprises a pressurising chamber 120 and a reserve and discharge tank 122 which are connected hydraulically to the unit 46 by the respective connection conduits 124 A, 124 B.
- the tank 122 and the chamber 120 contain a hydraulic fluid for controlling the cylinder 44 .
- the chamber 120 comprises an intermediate space 121 of constant volume and the annular space 107 of variable volume.
- the intermediate space 121 extends between the body 50 and the sleeve 98 . It is delimited proximally by the distal shoulder 70 of the mid-portion 62 , by the proximal surface 93 of the seat 88 , and by the outer surface 106 of the sleeve.
- the space 121 is connected to the annular space 107 .
- the distance between the proximal gasket 73 and the distal gasket 108 is minimal and the volume of the chamber 120 is minimal. In the distal position of the sleeve 98 , this distance is at the maximum and the volume of the chamber 120 is at the maximum.
- the tank 122 extends between the body 50 and the sleeve 98 proximally in relation to the chamber 120 . It is delimited by the proximal tubular portion 60 , by the proximal surface 68 of the mid-portion 62 , by the surface 106 , and by the distal surface 110 of the piston 100 .
- the volume of the tank 122 depends on the longitudinal position of the piston 100 along the sleeve 98 and along the body 50 .
- the conduits 124 A, 124 B extend outside the body 50 along said body. They open out distally in the region of the lateral passage 78 for assembling the unit 46 .
- the distal connection conduit 124 A opens proximally in the intermediate space 121 of the chamber 120 via the mid-portion 62 .
- the proximal connection conduit 124 B opens proximally in the tank 122 through the mid-portion 62 .
- the unit 46 comprises a tubular housing 125 receiving a hydraulic electric pump 126 and a conduit 128 for selectively pressurising the chamber 120 , connecting the electric pump 126 to the distal connection conduit 124 A.
- the tubular housing 125 projects distally outside the body 50 along the axis X-X′. The proximal end thereof is introduced into the distal opening of the distal portion 64 and received in the assembly passage 78 in order to be fixed to the distal portion 64 of the body 50 .
- the electric pump 126 connects the proximal connection conduit 124 B to an inlet of the conduit 128 so as to connect the tank 122 to the conduit 128 .
- the pressurising conduit 128 comprises, from upstream to downstream, from the electric pump 126 to the chamber 120 , a zero-leak non-return valve 130 and an upstream portion 128 A on which are fastened a safety conduit 132 and a first discharge conduit 134 received in the housing 125 .
- the conduit 128 also comprises a downstream portion 128 B on which are connected a rapid discharge conduit 136 and an accumulator 138 , received in the tubular housing 125 .
- the safety conduit 132 is connected on the upstream portion of the pressurising conduit 128 at the outlet of the valve 130 . It opens at the inlet of the proximal connection conduit 124 B.
- the safety conduit 132 is provided, from upstream to downstream, with a pressure switch 140 and a pressure relief valve 142 .
- the first discharge conduit 134 is fastened on the upstream portion 128 A of the conduit 128 downstream of the conduit 132 .
- the conduit 134 is provided with a controlled safety solenoid valve 144 , which is normally open, and which opens into the proximal connection conduit 124 B.
- the solenoid valve 144 is connected electrically to the control means 48 .
- the rapid discharge conduit 136 is connected on the pressurising conduit 128 by means of a bypass valve 146 , delimiting the upstream portion 128 A and the downstream portion 128 B on the conduit 128 .
- the valve 146 comprises a primary inlet 148 and a primary outlet 150 opening respectively into the upstream portion 128 A of the pressurising conduit 128 towards the electric pump 126 , and into the downstream portion 128 B of the conduit 128 towards the chamber 120 .
- the valve 146 also comprises a secondary outlet 152 connected to the rapid discharge conduit 136 .
- the secondary outlet 152 is sealed in such a way that the primary inlet 148 is connected hydraulically to the primary outlet 150 .
- the primary inlet 148 when the pressure that prevails in the region of the primary inlet 148 is less than the pressure that prevails in the region of the primary outlet 150 , the primary inlet 148 is sealed and the primary outlet 150 is connected hydraulically to the secondary outlet 152 and thus to the tank 122 by means of the conduit 124 B.
- the minimum flow cross-section through the downstream portion 128 B, the secondary outlet 152 and through the rapid discharge conduit 136 is very much greater than the maximum flow cross-section through the upstream portion 128 A, the solenoid valve 144 and through the first discharge conduit 134 , for example at least twice as great.
- the control means 48 are received in the tubular housing 125 . They comprise a receiver 154 and a unit 156 for controlling the cylinder 44 .
- the receiver 154 is able to receive a valve open control signal emitted from the surface and to transmit an order to the control unit 156 to hold the shutter 90 in its open position, for as long as the control signal is received by the receiver 154 .
- the receiver 154 is also able to receive a temporary silence signal for the well 12 and to transmit an order to the control unit 156 , to hold the shutter 90 temporarily in its open position even in the absence of a valve open signal.
- the control unit 156 is connected electrically to the solenoid valve 144 , to the electric pump 126 , and to the pressure switch 140 for controlling the cylinder 44 .
- a valve housing 40 is selected of suitable dimensions for insertion into the second conduit 20 .
- a hydraulic unit 46 common to valve housings 40 of different diameters is fixed in the lateral passage 78 and is connected hydraulically to the distal ends of the conduits 124 A and 124 B.
- the autonomous device 10 according to the invention is thus formed.
- the deployment means 14 are arranged on the wellhead 22 .
- the installation gear 31 is mounted on the receiving head 80 at the proximal end of the valve housing 40 .
- valve housing 40 , the holding means 42 , the hydraulic actuating cylinder 44 and the hydraulic unit 46 connected to the housing 40 , forming the device 10 are then introduced into the second conduit 20 and are thus lowered simultaneously under the control of the working wire line 30 .
- the working wire line 30 is halted.
- the anchoring means 56 are then actuated by the operator to lock the housing 40 in position in the conduit 20 .
- the engagement dogs 86 are inserted in the recesses 26 B and a sealed connection is formed between the housing 40 and the second conduit 20 . Then, the installation gear 31 is released from the connection means 54 , to free the opening 84 at the inlet of the passage 52 . The deployment means 14 are then withdrawn ( FIG. 1A ).
- the shutter 90 is maintained in the position in which it seals the passage 52 , the sleeve 98 being in its proximal position.
- the safety device 10 then tightly seals the second conduit 20 .
- the receiver 154 When the receiver 154 receives the valve open control signal, it transmits an actuation order to the control unit 156 .
- the unit 156 then actuates the electric pump 126 and the solenoid valve 144 to introduce a portion of the liquid contained in the tank 122 into the chamber 120 .
- the volume of the tank 122 reduces, which causes the distal movement of the piston 100 .
- the priming of the electric pump 126 is assisted by the presence of the pre-stressed return spring 104 which rests on the piston 100 when the sleeve 98 is in its proximal position, to compress slightly the fluid contained in the tank 122 .
- the pressure in the chamber 120 increases and is applied in the annular space 107 , between the proximal gasket 73 and the distal gasket 108 , which causes the sleeve 98 to move towards its distal position, against the return spring 104 which is compressed between the piston 100 and the end stop 102 .
- the distal edge of the sleeve 98 pushes the shutter 90 , and moves it from the sealed position to its open position, against the biasing spring 92 .
- the shutter 90 is secured against the distal portion 64 and seals the lateral opening 74 , as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the pressure in the chamber 120 increases to a threshold value which is detected by the pressure switch 140 and transmitted to the unit 156 .
- the control unit 156 determines that the pressure in the chamber 120 is greater than the threshold value, it disconnects the electric pump 126 .
- the solenoid valve 144 is kept sealed for as long as the receiver 154 receives a valve open control signal.
- control unit 156 actuates the electric pump 126 once again to raise the pressure in the chamber 120 to the threshold value.
- a zero-leak non-return valve 130 reduces the operating time of the electric pump 126 and increases the autonomy of the device 10 .
- the accumulator 138 allows pressure variations in the chamber 120 , due in particular to temperature variations in the housing 40 , to be compensated.
- valve open control signal emitted by the emission means 35 is disconnected.
- the control unit 156 determines whether a temporary silence signal has been emitted before disconnecting the valve open control signal. In the absence of such a silence signal, the control unit 156 deactivates the solenoid valve 144 and then resumes its normally open position.
- the fluid contained in the upstream portion 128 A of the conduit 128 , upstream of the primary inlet 148 of the rapid discharge valve 146 is then reintroduced into the tank 122 via the first discharge conduit 134 and the proximal connection conduit 124 B.
- the pressure that prevails in the region of the primary inlet 148 thus reduces to a value below that which prevails at the primary outlet 150 .
- the secondary outlet 152 of the rapid discharge valve 146 opens, and the primary inlet 148 closes.
- the fluid contained in the pressurising chamber 120 is therefore discharged very rapidly into the tank 122 via the downstream portion 128 B of the conduit 128 , the primary outlet 150 , the secondary outlet 152 , the rapid discharge conduit 136 and the proximal connection conduit 124 B.
- the return spring 104 moves the sleeve 98 towards its proximal position very rapidly. It will be noted that only one spring 104 is necessary to pressurise the tank 122 when the pump 104 is deactivated, and to allow the sleeve 98 to return towards its proximal position in the event of an incident at the surface. The length of the housing 40 is thus reduced. In addition, since the volume of the tank 122 increases after the rapid discharge valve 146 opens, the difference in length of the spring 104 resting proximally on the piston 100 between the proximal position and the distal position of the sleeve 98 is less than the travel of the sleeve 98 between said positions.
- the biasing spring 92 then returns the shutter 90 to its sealed position across the passage 52 , as illustrated in FIG. 6 .
- the well 12 is thus made safe.
- control unit 156 maintains the solenoid valve 144 sealed and the chamber 120 under pressure for a determined period of time, despite the absence of a control signal.
- the shutter 90 therefore remains in the open position.
- This operating method maintains production of the well 12 , even if an intervention requiring the absence of any control signal must be carried out on another nearby well.
- control unit 156 is reinitialised, such that the disconnection of the control signal causes the shutter 90 to close once more.
- an autonomous safety device 10 that is easily installed and anchored in a well 12 by a working wire line 30 .
- Said device comprises a valve housing 40 , means 42 for holding the valve in an open position, and hydraulic actuating means 44 , 46 holding means 42 , connected to the housing 40 , for the simultaneous movement thereof in the well 12 .
- Such a device 10 can be used at any point in the well 12 , without the need to introduce hydraulic or electric control lines, either to replace an existing defective valve in the well 12 , or to install a new valve in the well 12 without having to raise the production casing.
- the arrangement of the hydraulic unit 46 in the valve housing frees the fluid flow passage 52 inside the valve housing and opens a passage 52 of sufficient diameter for the production of hydrocarbons or the passage of tools as far as the shutter 90 .
- the structure of the hydraulic unit 46 is suitable for connection thereof to valve housings 40 of different diameters.
- the structure thereof consumes little energy, for autonomous operation of the device 10 over a long period of between six months and two years without the need to raise the device 10 to the surface.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a safety device for a fluid production well, of the type comprising:
-
- a valve housing intended to be fixed tightly inside a fluid flow conduit, the housing delimiting a fluid flow passage and comprising:
- a valve used to seal the passage, and which can move between an open position of the passage and a closed position of the passage;
- means for permanently biasing the valve towards its closed position; and
- means for connecting the housing to a coupling member for a working wire line intended to move and anchor the housing in the conduit;
- means for holding the valve in the open position against the permanent biasing means, said holding means comprising at least one movement element for the valve, which can move in the valve housing between a rest position and an active valve biasing position, and an element for permanently returning the movement element to its rest position; and
- means for hydraulically actuating the holding means, which can be controlled by a control signal to actuate the holding means upon receipt of a valve open control signal by the actuating means, and to deactivate the holding means in the absence of said signal.
- a valve housing intended to be fixed tightly inside a fluid flow conduit, the housing delimiting a fluid flow passage and comprising:
- Such a device is used to secure a well for the production of oil or another fluid (notably gas, vapour or water), in particular when said well is eruptive and can be sealed rapidly in case of failure of the surface installation, said failure producing the disconnection of the open control signal.
- A device of the above-mentioned type is known from U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,202, said device being lowered in a production casing of an oil well by means of a working wire line. Said device comprises a valve housing, a rod for holding the valve in the open position and electromagnetic coils for actuating the support rod. The coils are fixed to the outside of the casing at a determined point thereon on, and are connected electrically to the surface by electric cables.
- When an electric control signal is received by the electromagnetic coils, the valve is held in the open position by the support rod, against a return spring.
- In the absence of a control signal, the return spring is deployed to move the rod, which allows rapid sealing of the valve.
- A safety device of the same type is also known, driven by a hydraulic control line extending outside the casing from the surface.
- Such devices are not entirely satisfactory. The safety device must be positioned at a determined point of the well, opposite the actuating coils, and the coils must be connected to the surface by electric power supply lines, or must be positioned opposite the inlet of the hydraulic conduit.
- An object of the invention is therefore to provide an autonomous safety device, comprising a safety valve that can be installed and anchored at any point of the well whatever the finished architecture thereof, and that can be controlled from the surface.
- Accordingly, the invention relates to a device of the above-mentioned type, characterised in that the holding means and actuating means are connected to the housing in such a way that they can be moved simultaneously under the control of the working wire line.
- The device according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in a technically feasible combination:
-
- actuating means comprising a hydraulic cylinder and a hydraulic unit for controlling the cylinder;
- the hydraulic unit projects at least in part in relation to the housing, outside the flow passage, the flow passage being clear between the connection means and the valve;
- the hydraulic unit can be removed from the valve housing, said valve housing comprising means for receiving the unit;
- the cylinder comprises a chamber for pressurising control fluid, said chamber receiving a portion of the movement element of the valve; and a tank for reserving and discharging control fluid,
and the hydraulic control unit comprises a pump for feeding the control fluid into the pressurising chamber, a pressurising conduit connecting the pressurising chamber to the discharge tank, a first discharge conduit connected to the pressurising conduit provided with a discharge valve that is open in the absence of the control signal and closed in the presence of said signal; - the return element loads a piston for pressurising the tank;
- the actuating means comprise a rapid discharge conduit, connected to the pressurising conduit, the rapid discharge conduit being provided with a sealing element that can be released when the discharge valve is open;
- the maximum cross-section of the first discharge conduit and of the upstream portion of the pressurising conduit situated upstream of the releasable sealing element is less than the minimum cross-section of the rapid discharge conduit and of the downstream portion of the pressurising conduit situated downstream of the releasable sealing element;
- the actuating means comprise a control fluid accumulator connected to the pressurising chamber;
- the actuating means comprise a zero-leakage non-return valve, interposed between the pump and the pressurising chamber;
- the hydraulic unit comprises means for controlling the cylinder, said control means comprising a receiver, a control unit suitable for driving the cylinder to actuate the holding means upon receipt of a valve open control signal by the receiver and to deactivate said holding means in the absence of said signal;
- the control unit is suitable for driving the cylinder to actuate, at least temporarily, the holding means in the absence of a valve open signal, after reception of a silence signal by the receiver; and
- the device comprises releasable means for anchoring the housing in the conduit, carried by the housing.
- The invention also relates to a safety installation for a fluid production well comprising a fluid flow conduit, said installation comprising:
-
- a device as defined above; and
- means for deploying said device in the conduit comprising a working wire line connected releasably to the connection means.
- The invention will be better understood on reading the description that follows, given solely by way of an example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view along a vertical mid-plane of an oil well equipped with a safety device according to the invention, during operation of the well; -
FIG. 1B is a similar view toFIG. 1A , when the device is installed in the well; -
FIG. 2 is a side view of the safety device illustrated inFIG. 1A and inFIG. 1B ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along a vertical mid-plane of a detail of the device inFIG. 2 ; -
FIG. 3A is a view of a detail marked IIIA inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 4 is a lateral cross-sectional view along the plane IV-IV ofFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic actuating means of the device inFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 6 is a similar view toFIG. 3 in which the valve of the safety device is sealed. - Throughout the remaining text, the term “proximal” means relatively closer to the ground surface, whereas the term “distal” means relatively closer to the bottom of a well made in the ground.
- The
autonomous safety device 10 according to the invention, illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 6 , is intended to be lowered into anoil well 12 using wire deployment means 14. Thedevice 10 is placed at a chosen point in thewell 12, for example situated at a depth of between 10 m and 1000 m, to replace a faulty safety valve, or to add an intermediate safety valve. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 1A and 1B , thewell 12 comprises afirst conduit 16 known as the “casing” made in thesub-soil 18 and a second conduit orpipe 20 known as the “production casing” secured substantially in the centre of thefirst conduit 16. - The
well 12 further comprises awellhead 22 at the surface to seal selectively thefirst conduit 16 and thesecond conduit 20. - The
second conduit 20 is not as long as thefirst conduit 16. It opens at apoint 23 into thefirst conduit 16 situated in a distal portion of thewell 12. Annular packing elements 24 are arranged between thefirst conduit 16 and thesecond conduit 20 in the vicinity of thepoint 23. - These elements 24 seal tightly the
annular space 25 defined between theconduits - The
second conduit 20 defines internally a plurality of circular engagement grooves orannular engagement recesses recesses conduit 20. - In a variant, the
second conduit 20 is not provided withrecesses device 10 is anchored directly against a smooth wall of theconduit 20. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1B , for the installation of thedevice 10 in the well 12, the deployment means 14 of thedevice 10 comprise a workingwire line 30, a surface hoist 32 enabling theline 30 to be deployed or retracted in the well 12, and pulleys 34 for orienting theline 30 mounted on thewellhead 22. - The
line 30 is formed for example by a smooth single strand wire of the “piano wire” type, commonly referred to by the term “slickline”, with or without electrical insulation on its outer surface. Theline 30 comprises, at its distal end, an installation gear 31 for thedevice 10. - In a variant, the
line 30 is a mechanically reinforced electric cable, commonly referred to by the term “electric line”, or a hollow spiral cable, commonly referred to by the term “coiled tubing”. - The hoist 32 and the
pulleys 34 allow the workingline 30 to be deployed successively in thesecond conduit 20, then in thefirst conduit 16 via thewellhead 22. - As illustrated in
FIG. 1A , when operating the well 12, the deployment means 14 have been withdrawn and the well 12 comprises means 35 for emitting a signal for controlling thesafety device 10. In the example illustrated, the control signal is an electromagnetic signal and themeans 35 are arranged at the surface. In a variant, said signal is an acoustic signal. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , thesafety device 10 comprises asafety valve housing 40, means 42 for holding the safety valve in an open position, and ahydraulic cylinder 44 for actuating the holding means 42. Thedevice 10 also comprises ahydraulic unit 46 fixed removably at a distal end of thehousing 40, theunit 46 comprising means 48 for controlling thecylinder 44, andbatteries 49 for supplying electrical power to theunit 46. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3 , thevalve housing 40 comprises atubular body 50 with a longitudinal axis X-X′ delimiting internally a longitudinal through-flow passage 52 for circulating an oil fluid, means 54 for connecting to the installation gear 31, mounted at a proximal end of thebody 50, and means 56 for anchoring thedevice 10 in thesecond conduit 20. - The
housing 40 further comprises, in the vicinity of its distal end, avalve 58 for sealing thepassage 52. - When moving from a proximal end, to the right in
FIG. 3 , to a distal end, to the left inFIG. 3 , thebody 50 comprises a proximaltubular portion 60, aportion 62 for guiding and holding the valve, and adistal portion 64 for connecting to thehydraulic unit 46. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3A , the mid-portion 62 defines aproximal sheath 66 mounted in thetubular portion 60 and delimiting an annulartransverse surface 68 directed towards thebody 60. - The mid-portion 62 also delimits a distal
annular shoulder 70 directed towards thedistal portion 64 and acylindrical guide surface 72 extending between theproximal surface 68 and thedistal shoulder 70. - The
cylindrical surface 72 delimits, between thedistal shoulder 70 and theproximal surface 68, an annular recess which receives aproximal sealing gasket 73. - By moving distally along the axis X-X′ in
FIG. 3 , the distaltubular portion 64 delimits a lateral valve retraction opening 74, which opens into thepassage 52, anannular shoulder 76 oriented towards the distal end of thebody 40, and alateral passage 78 for assembling the hydraulic unit opening into theflow passage 52. Theportion 64 has at its distal end a distal opening which opens into theflow passage 52. - The connection means 54 comprise a
head 80 for receiving the installation gear 31 delimiting aninternal recess 82. Thehead 80 is screwed to the proximal end of thetubular portion 60. - The
recess 82 opens distally into thepassage 52 and proximally through aproximal opening 84. A fluid may thus penetrate into thepassage 52 of thehousing 40 when the installation gear 31 is arranged at a distance from thehousing 82. - The anchoring means 56 comprise lateral locking mandrels or “dogs” referred to by the term “lock mandrel”. The
dogs 86 project radially outside of thehead 80 and have a form complementary to that of the engagement recesses 26A, 26B arranged in thesecond conduit 20. - The anchoring means 56 also comprise compressible annular packing (not illustrated) intended to form a seal between the wall of the
conduit 20 and thehead 80. - The sealing
valve 58 comprises anannular seat 88 mounted integrally with thebody 50 in thepassage 52, and ashutter 90 that can move between an open position of thepassage 52 and a sealed position of thepassage 52. Thevalve 58 also comprises aspring 92 for returning theshutter 90 to its sealed position. - The
valve seat 88 is fixed in thepassage 52 and forms a mechanical connection between the mid-portion 62 and the distaltubular portion 64. As illustrated inFIG. 3A , a proximalannular surface 93 of the seat extends opposite thedistal surface 70 of the mid-portion 62. A distal conicalannular surface 94 of theseat 88 is flush with the wall of thedistal portion 64 in the region of thelateral reception opening 74. - The
shutter 90 can rotate about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the axis X-X′ situated in the vicinity of thedistal surface 94 of theseat 88. - In the open position of the
shutter 90, saidshutter 90 extends substantially in the extension of thetubular portion 64 to seal thelateral opening 74 and free thepassage 52. - In the sealed position, illustrated in
FIG. 6 , theshutter 90 extends in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X-X′ of thevalve housing 40. It rests on the distal conicalannular surface 94 to seal thepassage 52. - The
spring 92 permanently biases theshutter 90 towards its sealed position. - The means 42 for holding the valve in its open position comprise a
cylindrical sleeve 98 mounted movably in translation along the axis X-X′ in thepassage 52, between a proximal rest position and a distal open position of thevalve 58. The means 42 further comprise, mounted on thesleeve 98, adistal pressurisation piston 100, aproximal end stop 102 for guiding the sleeve, and aspiral spring 104 for returning the sleeve to its proximal position. - The
sleeve 98 extends longitudinally in thebody 40 opposite the proximaltubular portion 60, the mid-portion 62 and, in its proximal position, thedistal portion 64. As illustrated inFIG. 4 , it comprises anouter surface 106 of transverse cross-section substantially complementary to theguide surface 72 of the mid-portion 62 in such a way that the mid-portion 62 guides thesleeve 98 when it moves between its proximal position and its distal position. - As illustrated in
FIG. 3A , thesurface 106 delimits with theseat 88, anannular space 107. It comprises anannular rib 107B which delimits a distal recess oriented towards theseat 88. The recess receives a sealinggasket 108 which distally seals theannular space 107. Thespace 107 is sealed proximally by theproximal gasket 73. - The distal
annular piston 100 is mounted slidingly on thesleeve 98 between theouter surface 106 and the proximaltubular portion 60. It delimits a distalannular surface 110 which extends opposite theproximal surface 68. It further delimits a proximalannular surface 112 on which a distal end of thespring 104 rests. - The proximal
annular end stop 102 is mounted integrally with the proximal end of thesleeve 98. It extends between thesleeve 98 and thetubular portion 60. Theend stop 102 slides in thetubular portion 60 and delimits a distalannular surface 114 on which the proximal end of thespring 104 rests. Theend stop 102 comprises awiper gasket 115 arranged resting on thetubular portion 60. - In the proximal position of the
sleeve 98, illustrated inFIG. 6 , thegasket 108 extends in the vicinity of theproximal surface 93 of theseat 88. In addition, theend stop 102 is situated in the vicinity of the receivinghead 80. The distance separating thepiston 100 and theend stop 102 is then at the maximum. Thespring 104 is pre-stressed in such a way that it exerts a minimal return force on thepiston 100 and on theend stop 102. In this position, theannular rib 107B of thesleeve 98 rests against theshoulder 70. - In this position, the distal edge of the
sleeve 98 is arranged opposite theseat 88, proximally in relation to theshutter 90. - In the distal position of the
sleeve 98, illustrated inFIG. 3 , the distance between thepiston 100 and theend stop 102 is minimal and the compression of thespring 104 is at the maximum in such a way that it exerts maximum return force on thepiston 100 and on theend stop 102. - In this position, a distal portion of the
sleeve 98 extends opposite thelateral opening 74. The distal edge of thesleeve 98 rests on theend stop shoulder 76 of thedistal portion 64. Thesleeve 98 covers theshutter 90. In addition, thegasket 108 is at a distance distally from theproximal surface 93 of thevalve seat 88. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3 to 6 , thehydraulic cylinder 44 comprises a pressurisingchamber 120 and a reserve anddischarge tank 122 which are connected hydraulically to theunit 46 by therespective connection conduits tank 122 and thechamber 120 contain a hydraulic fluid for controlling thecylinder 44. - The
chamber 120 comprises anintermediate space 121 of constant volume and theannular space 107 of variable volume. - The
intermediate space 121 extends between thebody 50 and thesleeve 98. It is delimited proximally by thedistal shoulder 70 of the mid-portion 62, by theproximal surface 93 of theseat 88, and by theouter surface 106 of the sleeve. Thespace 121 is connected to theannular space 107. - In the proximal position of the
sleeve 98, the distance between theproximal gasket 73 and thedistal gasket 108 is minimal and the volume of thechamber 120 is minimal. In the distal position of thesleeve 98, this distance is at the maximum and the volume of thechamber 120 is at the maximum. - The
tank 122 extends between thebody 50 and thesleeve 98 proximally in relation to thechamber 120. It is delimited by the proximaltubular portion 60, by theproximal surface 68 of the mid-portion 62, by thesurface 106, and by thedistal surface 110 of thepiston 100. - The volume of the
tank 122 depends on the longitudinal position of thepiston 100 along thesleeve 98 and along thebody 50. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , theconduits body 50 along said body. They open out distally in the region of thelateral passage 78 for assembling theunit 46. In addition, thedistal connection conduit 124A opens proximally in theintermediate space 121 of thechamber 120 via the mid-portion 62. - The
proximal connection conduit 124B opens proximally in thetank 122 through the mid-portion 62. - As illustrated in
FIG. 5 , theunit 46 comprises atubular housing 125 receiving a hydraulicelectric pump 126 and aconduit 128 for selectively pressurising thechamber 120, connecting theelectric pump 126 to thedistal connection conduit 124A. - The
tubular housing 125 projects distally outside thebody 50 along the axis X-X′. The proximal end thereof is introduced into the distal opening of thedistal portion 64 and received in theassembly passage 78 in order to be fixed to thedistal portion 64 of thebody 50. - The
electric pump 126 connects theproximal connection conduit 124B to an inlet of theconduit 128 so as to connect thetank 122 to theconduit 128. - The pressurising
conduit 128 comprises, from upstream to downstream, from theelectric pump 126 to thechamber 120, a zero-leaknon-return valve 130 and anupstream portion 128A on which are fastened asafety conduit 132 and afirst discharge conduit 134 received in thehousing 125. Theconduit 128 also comprises adownstream portion 128B on which are connected arapid discharge conduit 136 and anaccumulator 138, received in thetubular housing 125. - The
safety conduit 132 is connected on the upstream portion of the pressurisingconduit 128 at the outlet of thevalve 130. It opens at the inlet of theproximal connection conduit 124B. Thesafety conduit 132 is provided, from upstream to downstream, with apressure switch 140 and apressure relief valve 142. - The
first discharge conduit 134 is fastened on theupstream portion 128A of theconduit 128 downstream of theconduit 132. Theconduit 134 is provided with a controlledsafety solenoid valve 144, which is normally open, and which opens into theproximal connection conduit 124B. - The
solenoid valve 144 is connected electrically to the control means 48. - The
rapid discharge conduit 136 is connected on the pressurisingconduit 128 by means of abypass valve 146, delimiting theupstream portion 128A and thedownstream portion 128B on theconduit 128. - The
valve 146 comprises aprimary inlet 148 and aprimary outlet 150 opening respectively into theupstream portion 128A of the pressurisingconduit 128 towards theelectric pump 126, and into thedownstream portion 128B of theconduit 128 towards thechamber 120. Thevalve 146 also comprises asecondary outlet 152 connected to therapid discharge conduit 136. - When the pressure that prevails in the region of the
primary inlet 148 is greater than or substantially equal to the pressure that prevails in the region of theprimary outlet 150, thesecondary outlet 152 is sealed in such a way that theprimary inlet 148 is connected hydraulically to theprimary outlet 150. - On the other hand, when the pressure that prevails in the region of the
primary inlet 148 is less than the pressure that prevails in the region of theprimary outlet 150, theprimary inlet 148 is sealed and theprimary outlet 150 is connected hydraulically to thesecondary outlet 152 and thus to thetank 122 by means of theconduit 124B. - The minimum flow cross-section through the
downstream portion 128B, thesecondary outlet 152 and through therapid discharge conduit 136 is very much greater than the maximum flow cross-section through theupstream portion 128A, thesolenoid valve 144 and through thefirst discharge conduit 134, for example at least twice as great. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , the control means 48 are received in thetubular housing 125. They comprise areceiver 154 and aunit 156 for controlling thecylinder 44. Thereceiver 154 is able to receive a valve open control signal emitted from the surface and to transmit an order to thecontrol unit 156 to hold theshutter 90 in its open position, for as long as the control signal is received by thereceiver 154. - The
receiver 154 is also able to receive a temporary silence signal for the well 12 and to transmit an order to thecontrol unit 156, to hold theshutter 90 temporarily in its open position even in the absence of a valve open signal. - The
control unit 156 is connected electrically to thesolenoid valve 144, to theelectric pump 126, and to thepressure switch 140 for controlling thecylinder 44. - The operation of the
autonomous safety device 10 according to the invention to replace a defective valve in the well 12 will now be described. - Initially, a
valve housing 40 is selected of suitable dimensions for insertion into thesecond conduit 20. - A
hydraulic unit 46 common tovalve housings 40 of different diameters is fixed in thelateral passage 78 and is connected hydraulically to the distal ends of theconduits - The
autonomous device 10 according to the invention is thus formed. - Then, with reference to
FIG. 1B , the deployment means 14 are arranged on thewellhead 22. The installation gear 31 is mounted on the receivinghead 80 at the proximal end of thevalve housing 40. - The
valve housing 40, the holding means 42, thehydraulic actuating cylinder 44 and thehydraulic unit 46 connected to thehousing 40, forming thedevice 10, are then introduced into thesecond conduit 20 and are thus lowered simultaneously under the control of the workingwire line 30. - When the
device 10 reaches the desired position in thesecond conduit 20, for example when the anchoring means 56 are arranged opposite anengagement recess 26B, the workingwire line 30 is halted. - The anchoring means 56 are then actuated by the operator to lock the
housing 40 in position in theconduit 20. - Accordingly, the engagement dogs 86 are inserted in the
recesses 26B and a sealed connection is formed between thehousing 40 and thesecond conduit 20. Then, the installation gear 31 is released from the connection means 54, to free theopening 84 at the inlet of thepassage 52. The deployment means 14 are then withdrawn (FIG. 1A ). - The
shutter 90 is maintained in the position in which it seals thepassage 52, thesleeve 98 being in its proximal position. - The
safety device 10 then tightly seals thesecond conduit 20. - When the well operator wishes to open the
second conduit 20, he actuates the emission means 35 at the surface to emit a valve open control signal. - When the
receiver 154 receives the valve open control signal, it transmits an actuation order to thecontrol unit 156. Theunit 156 then actuates theelectric pump 126 and thesolenoid valve 144 to introduce a portion of the liquid contained in thetank 122 into thechamber 120. The volume of thetank 122 reduces, which causes the distal movement of thepiston 100. - In this regard, the priming of the
electric pump 126 is assisted by the presence of thepre-stressed return spring 104 which rests on thepiston 100 when thesleeve 98 is in its proximal position, to compress slightly the fluid contained in thetank 122. - Once the
electric pump 126 is primed and thesolenoid valve 144 is closed, the pressure in thechamber 120 increases and is applied in theannular space 107, between theproximal gasket 73 and thedistal gasket 108, which causes thesleeve 98 to move towards its distal position, against thereturn spring 104 which is compressed between thepiston 100 and theend stop 102. - During this movement, the distal edge of the
sleeve 98 pushes theshutter 90, and moves it from the sealed position to its open position, against the biasingspring 92. - When the
sleeve 98 has reached the position in which it comes to a stop against the end-stop shoulder 76, theshutter 90 is secured against thedistal portion 64 and seals thelateral opening 74, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - Moreover, the pressure in the
chamber 120 increases to a threshold value which is detected by thepressure switch 140 and transmitted to theunit 156. When thecontrol unit 156 determines that the pressure in thechamber 120 is greater than the threshold value, it disconnects theelectric pump 126. - The
solenoid valve 144 is kept sealed for as long as thereceiver 154 receives a valve open control signal. - If the pressure in the
chamber 120 falls below a re-start value for theelectric pump 126, thecontrol unit 156 actuates theelectric pump 126 once again to raise the pressure in thechamber 120 to the threshold value. - However, the presence of a zero-leak
non-return valve 130 reduces the operating time of theelectric pump 126 and increases the autonomy of thedevice 10. - The
accumulator 138 allows pressure variations in thechamber 120, due in particular to temperature variations in thehousing 40, to be compensated. - In the event of an incident at the surface, the valve open control signal emitted by the emission means 35 is disconnected.
- Once the
receiver 154 no longer receives said signal, thecontrol unit 156 determines whether a temporary silence signal has been emitted before disconnecting the valve open control signal. In the absence of such a silence signal, thecontrol unit 156 deactivates thesolenoid valve 144 and then resumes its normally open position. - With reference to
FIG. 5 , the fluid contained in theupstream portion 128A of theconduit 128, upstream of theprimary inlet 148 of therapid discharge valve 146 is then reintroduced into thetank 122 via thefirst discharge conduit 134 and theproximal connection conduit 124B. - The pressure that prevails in the region of the
primary inlet 148 thus reduces to a value below that which prevails at theprimary outlet 150. - As a follow-up, the
secondary outlet 152 of therapid discharge valve 146 opens, and theprimary inlet 148 closes. The fluid contained in the pressurisingchamber 120 is therefore discharged very rapidly into thetank 122 via thedownstream portion 128B of theconduit 128, theprimary outlet 150, thesecondary outlet 152, therapid discharge conduit 136 and theproximal connection conduit 124B. - As the pressure in the
chamber 120 falls rapidly, thereturn spring 104 moves thesleeve 98 towards its proximal position very rapidly. It will be noted that only onespring 104 is necessary to pressurise thetank 122 when thepump 104 is deactivated, and to allow thesleeve 98 to return towards its proximal position in the event of an incident at the surface. The length of thehousing 40 is thus reduced. In addition, since the volume of thetank 122 increases after therapid discharge valve 146 opens, the difference in length of thespring 104 resting proximally on thepiston 100 between the proximal position and the distal position of thesleeve 98 is less than the travel of thesleeve 98 between said positions. - The biasing
spring 92 then returns theshutter 90 to its sealed position across thepassage 52, as illustrated inFIG. 6 . The well 12 is thus made safe. - However, if the operator has issued a previously programmed silence signal, before the disconnection of the valve open signal, the
control unit 156 maintains thesolenoid valve 144 sealed and thechamber 120 under pressure for a determined period of time, despite the absence of a control signal. Theshutter 90 therefore remains in the open position. - This operating method maintains production of the well 12, even if an intervention requiring the absence of any control signal must be carried out on another nearby well.
- If a control signal is once more emitted, the
control unit 156 is reinitialised, such that the disconnection of the control signal causes theshutter 90 to close once more. - With the aid of the invention that has just been described, it is possible to have an
autonomous safety device 10 that is easily installed and anchored in a well 12 by a workingwire line 30. Said device comprises avalve housing 40, means 42 for holding the valve in an open position, and hydraulic actuating means 44, 46 holding means 42, connected to thehousing 40, for the simultaneous movement thereof in thewell 12. - Such a
device 10 can be used at any point in the well 12, without the need to introduce hydraulic or electric control lines, either to replace an existing defective valve in the well 12, or to install a new valve in the well 12 without having to raise the production casing. - The arrangement of the
hydraulic unit 46 in the valve housing frees thefluid flow passage 52 inside the valve housing and opens apassage 52 of sufficient diameter for the production of hydrocarbons or the passage of tools as far as theshutter 90. - The structure of the
hydraulic unit 46 is suitable for connection thereof tovalve housings 40 of different diameters. In addition, the structure thereof consumes little energy, for autonomous operation of thedevice 10 over a long period of between six months and two years without the need to raise thedevice 10 to the surface.
Claims (14)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FR0508880 | 2005-08-30 | ||
FR0508880A FR2890099B1 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2005-08-30 | SAFETY DEVICE FOR AN OIL WELL AND ASSOCIATED SECURITY INSTALLATION. |
PCT/FR2006/001996 WO2007026072A1 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2006-08-28 | Safety device for an oil well and associated safety installation |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090314485A1 true US20090314485A1 (en) | 2009-12-24 |
US8220534B2 US8220534B2 (en) | 2012-07-17 |
Family
ID=36364466
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/991,005 Active 2028-06-24 US8220534B2 (en) | 2005-08-30 | 2006-08-28 | Safety device for an oil well and associated safety installation |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US8220534B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1920133B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101273182B (en) |
BR (1) | BRPI0617126B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2616501C (en) |
DE (1) | DE602006021438D1 (en) |
FR (1) | FR2890099B1 (en) |
NO (1) | NO338700B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007026072A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015084773A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-11 | Geoservices Equipements Sas | Safety device for a fluid production well, associated installation and method |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2944048A1 (en) | 2009-04-02 | 2010-10-08 | Geoservices Equipements | INTERVENTION DEVICE IN A FLUID OPERATING WELL, OPERATING PLANT AND ASSOCIATED METHOD |
US8453748B2 (en) | 2010-03-31 | 2013-06-04 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Subterranean well valve activated with differential pressure |
PL2744973T3 (en) | 2011-11-08 | 2016-02-29 | Shell Int Research | Valve for a hydrocarbon well, hydrocarbon well provided with such valve and use of such valve |
EP2815060A1 (en) | 2012-02-14 | 2014-12-24 | Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. | Method for producing hydrocarbon gas from a wellbore and valve assembly |
US11815922B2 (en) | 2019-10-11 | 2023-11-14 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Multiple valve control system and method |
US11708743B2 (en) | 2021-05-13 | 2023-07-25 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Universal wireless actuator for surface-controlled subsurface safety valve |
Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3874634A (en) * | 1973-11-07 | 1975-04-01 | Otis Eng Co | Well safety valve system |
US4002202A (en) * | 1975-09-24 | 1977-01-11 | Huebsch Donald L | Fail-safe safety cut-off valve for a fluid well |
US4691776A (en) * | 1986-05-29 | 1987-09-08 | Camco, Incorporated | Retrievable well safety valve with expandable external seals |
US5251702A (en) * | 1991-07-16 | 1993-10-12 | Ava International Corporation | Surface controlled subsurface safety valve |
US6216784B1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-04-17 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Subsurface electro-hydraulic power unit |
US6269874B1 (en) * | 1998-05-05 | 2001-08-07 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Electro-hydraulic surface controlled subsurface safety valve actuator |
US20020108747A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2002-08-15 | Dietz Wesley P. | Fail safe surface controlled subsurface safety valve for use in a well |
US20040045722A1 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2004-03-11 | Jean-Robert Sangla | Safety valve for oil wells |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2345712B (en) * | 1997-07-24 | 2002-02-27 | Camco Int | Full bore variable flow control device |
BR0208803A (en) * | 2002-02-06 | 2004-03-09 | Geoservices | Trigger for closing a safety valve and safety assembly for underground exploration duct |
-
2005
- 2005-08-30 FR FR0508880A patent/FR2890099B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2006
- 2006-08-28 CA CA2616501A patent/CA2616501C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-08-28 US US11/991,005 patent/US8220534B2/en active Active
- 2006-08-28 CN CN2006800316366A patent/CN101273182B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2006-08-28 WO PCT/FR2006/001996 patent/WO2007026072A1/en active Application Filing
- 2006-08-28 BR BRPI0617126A patent/BRPI0617126B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2006-08-28 DE DE602006021438T patent/DE602006021438D1/en active Active
- 2006-08-28 EP EP06808057A patent/EP1920133B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2008
- 2008-02-26 NO NO20080954A patent/NO338700B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3874634A (en) * | 1973-11-07 | 1975-04-01 | Otis Eng Co | Well safety valve system |
US4002202A (en) * | 1975-09-24 | 1977-01-11 | Huebsch Donald L | Fail-safe safety cut-off valve for a fluid well |
US4691776A (en) * | 1986-05-29 | 1987-09-08 | Camco, Incorporated | Retrievable well safety valve with expandable external seals |
US5251702A (en) * | 1991-07-16 | 1993-10-12 | Ava International Corporation | Surface controlled subsurface safety valve |
US6269874B1 (en) * | 1998-05-05 | 2001-08-07 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Electro-hydraulic surface controlled subsurface safety valve actuator |
US6216784B1 (en) * | 1999-07-29 | 2001-04-17 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Subsurface electro-hydraulic power unit |
US20040045722A1 (en) * | 2001-02-02 | 2004-03-11 | Jean-Robert Sangla | Safety valve for oil wells |
US20020108747A1 (en) * | 2001-02-15 | 2002-08-15 | Dietz Wesley P. | Fail safe surface controlled subsurface safety valve for use in a well |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2015084773A1 (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2015-06-11 | Geoservices Equipements Sas | Safety device for a fluid production well, associated installation and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
FR2890099B1 (en) | 2007-11-30 |
WO2007026072A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
BRPI0617126A2 (en) | 2011-07-12 |
CA2616501A1 (en) | 2007-03-08 |
FR2890099A1 (en) | 2007-03-02 |
NO338700B1 (en) | 2016-10-03 |
BRPI0617126B1 (en) | 2017-03-28 |
CA2616501C (en) | 2014-01-28 |
EP1920133B1 (en) | 2011-04-20 |
NO20080954L (en) | 2008-05-21 |
DE602006021438D1 (en) | 2011-06-01 |
EP1920133A1 (en) | 2008-05-14 |
CN101273182A (en) | 2008-09-24 |
US8220534B2 (en) | 2012-07-17 |
CN101273182B (en) | 2013-03-13 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8220534B2 (en) | Safety device for an oil well and associated safety installation | |
US9587466B2 (en) | Cementing system for riserless abandonment operation | |
US9488024B2 (en) | Annulus cementing tool for subsea abandonment operation | |
US20120043089A1 (en) | Retrieving a subsea tree plug | |
US10774613B2 (en) | Tieback cementing plug system | |
AU2013206914B2 (en) | In-riser hydraulic power recharging | |
WO2012064812A2 (en) | Emergency control system for subsea blowout preventer | |
AU2017200428A1 (en) | Centralizer | |
EP2245260B1 (en) | Device and method for isolating a section of a wellbore | |
WO2015104173A2 (en) | Electrical wellhead shutdown system | |
US8393397B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for separating a tubular string from a subsea well installation | |
CA2499725C (en) | One-step directional coring or drilling system | |
US10214990B2 (en) | Safety device for a fluid production well, associated installation and method | |
US11072993B2 (en) | System for manipulating subsea equipment and controlling a subsea barrier system | |
EP3371412B1 (en) | Remotely operated external tieback connector | |
US6234247B1 (en) | Bore hole safety valves | |
US11519238B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for conveying a tool into and/or from a well installation |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: GEOSERVICES EQUIPEMENTS, FRANCE Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:MILLET, FANCOIS;GIRARDI, JOSEPH;MICHAUD, CHRISTOPHE;REEL/FRAME:022944/0015 Effective date: 20080326 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 8TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1552); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
MAFP | Maintenance fee payment |
Free format text: PAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEE, 12TH YEAR, LARGE ENTITY (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: M1553); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY Year of fee payment: 12 |